The coronavirus outbreak has caused many of us to have a surviving mindset, but how can we use this opportunity to thrive even when we face uncertainty? To thrive is to grow in authenticity with and for others and for a greater purpose.
Our team offers some guidelines and tips on how we can thrive through this growing pandemic.
Have you hit any walls yet? Personally, my family and I have had ups and downs in finding new rhythms, new ways of learning, connecting, etc. as we "quarantine," but I will spare you the details.
At this time, when stress and scarcity tempt us to have a surviving mentality, we need to actively reinforce a thriving orientation that focuses our sense of belonging to ourselves, family, communities, and general humanity. In so many ways, COVID-19 offers a potential planetary reboot, where from a species perspective, we have the opportunity to shift from a “me” to a “we” orientation.
At the Thrive Center, we research and draw on the latest psychological science to inform our understanding and vision of human thriving to not only promotes individual growth, but also encourage broader social flourishing.
To thrive is to grow in authenticity with and for others and for a greater purpose.
Foundational to thriving is being adaptive and navigating a good fit with one’s environment. For example, a plant thrives by continuously growing towards the sun and around obstacles in order to thrive. We are similar. Thriving is continual, adaptive growth—not towards the sun, but towards a prosocial and virtuous purpose beyond the self.
This moment in time has the potential to serve as a planetary pivot.
In order for this moment to shift all of us on a thriving trajectory, we need to re-order our own lives, our families, our communities, and our sense of responsibility to all of humanity and our planet. Such a shift will take intentionality and effort. We have produced resources to inform, inspire, and equip you to thrive and enable others to thrive during these trying times. We address key skills and resources for thriving, and offer a variety of practices and tips for cultivating your own strengths to remain agile and adaptive in these days.
We are grateful for the immense contributions in the psychological sciences of those who research various topics in positive psychology, neuropsychology, family sciences, applied developmental science, psychology of religion and spirituality, and contemplative neuroscience. Our aim is to bring to you the best of science that informs how to cultivate the good life—not just for ourselves, but our species and planet.
Thriving is not pollinic, nor is it a random potpourri of positivity. Thriving does not overlook the profound plight of many people. To thrive is deep living; it is authentic, vulnerable, connected, hopeful, courageous, joyful, generous, and vital. While we are spending less time commuting and some have more discretionary time than normal, please join us in a movement of thriving. Attend to your own personal growth with and for others.
With hope,
Dr. Pam King
Essentials to Thriving
Body
Thriving involves our whole being and body. Pay attention to how you feel physically and emotionally. Be connected to yourself. Especially during these times, be mindful of what brings you joy and pursue more of what really matters. Be aware of stress and anxiety, and seek support through practices, relationships, or professional help.
Beliefs
Be aware of your core beliefs. What brings meaning, strength, and hope in your life? Use this opportunity to re-evaluate what matters most, and align your life to your highest values accordingly. Although we need to renegotiate how we live out and pursue our ideals and goals, be intentional about making traction towards what matters.
Belonging
Thriving involves being known and loved as our authentic selves. This means we need to know and cherish ourselves. Resist the urge to fit in, but invest in the relationships that truly matter. Ask to whom do you belong—relationally and spiritually? What can you do to nurture these connections in a time of physical isolation?
Beyond the Self
Essential to thriving is a prosocial orientation beyond ourselves. This not only includes our understanding of transcendence (which informs our life's ultimate meaning), but it also involves an ongoing contribution to the world beyond ourselves. In isolation, this might seem like a challenge. However, we thrive when we help others thrive.
Beauty
Often overlooked as a resources for thriving, beauty and art are important resources of inspiration and positive emotions that can inspire vitality and our pursuit of goodness and truth. Take time to absorb nature, music, and visual arts (e.g. photography) in order to elevate your mood and connect you with something bigger than yourself.
How to Thrive Admist COVID-19
Finding Anchoring Rituals in Times like COVID-19
Thrive Scholars Fellow, Esther Tan shares her COVID-19 experience and how anchoring rituals have helped her find resilience.
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5 Joy Competencies to Counter the Effects of Confinement During COVID-19, Pt. 2
Thrive Scholars Fellow, Fred Defoy discusses spiritual joy and vocational joy as resources to help us thrive in hard times.
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How to Foster Empathy and Compassion in Children during the Pandemic
Is it possible to cultivate empathy and compassion in kids? Dr. Joey Fung shares 6 ways parents can do this.
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Third Culture Kids During Quarantine: Adaptability and Purpose
Thrive Fellow, Esther Tan interviews an adult Third Culture Kid on how purpose has helped him navigate through COVID-19.
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It’s Okay to Let Your Child be Bored This Summer
Dr. Joey Fung discusses how embracing boredom and creating space for unstructured play can help kids thrive this summer.
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5 Joy Competencies to Counter the Effects of Confinement During COVID-19, Pt. 1
Thrive fellow, Fred Defoy shares the first 3 joy competencies that can help us thrive through our bodies, creativity, and sense of belonging.
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Mindful Parenting: The Importance of Creating Space from Within
Dr. Joey Fung emphasizes the importance of mindful parenting and how parents can thrive during this pandemic.
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Lament and Hope in Times of Injustice and Racism
Dr. Pam King reflects on injustice and racism, the importance of attuning to our emotions, and coming together as a community.
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Quaranteens: Practice Makes Patience
News of the extended stay-at-home order can be frustrating. Thrive Fellow, Leanne Bishara shares 4 ways we can face COVID-19 with patience.
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A Quarantine Mother’s Day: Finding Purpose in the Middle of Crisis
As we celebrate Mother’s Day in quarantine, Dr. Pam King invites all mothers to focus on their purpose in order to live a fulfilling life at home.
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Planting Seeds of Healing Through Spirituality
Dr. Stephanie Trudeau provides ways spirituality can be resource for healing within ourselves and our families.
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Grief and Mindfulness: How to Manage Your Emotions
Dr. Joey Fung offers 3 ways mindfulness can help us manage our emotions in the face of grief and loss.
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Staying Grounded, Connected, and Directed through Disruption
Dr. Pam discusses how spirituality can help us stay grounded, connected, and directed throughout challenges.
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Grief and Mindfulness: the Importance of Checking In with Your Body
Dr. Joey Fung shares 5 mindfulness practices to help us manage grief during these trying times.
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Finding Awe in Uncertain Times
Seeking awe may be at the bottom of our COVID agenda. Dr. Susan Mangan explains why awe can helps us in times of loss.
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On the Road to Healing: Meaning-Making and Beliefs During COVID-19
Dr. Stephanie Trudeau continues her discussion on loss, and how meaning-making and beliefs can guide us toward healing.
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Light in Darkness: Not a Wholly Unprecedented Holy Week
Dr. Pam King explores how our beliefs can bring hope and light to our lives during dark times like COVID-19.
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What’s Loss Got to Do with It: Loss in Time of COVID-19
Dr. Stephanie Trudeau talks collective loss and how we can approach our feelings with compassion and grace.
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Activities for Busting the COVID-19 Blues
Social distancing can be hard, so how we can thrive even in isolation? Dr. Susan Mangan shares activities that help build resilience.
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Homebound: Protecting Our Spiritual Health
Guest blogger, Dr. Angela Gorrell emphasizes the importance of nurturing our spiritual health in order to thrive during COVID-19.
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Mindful Parenting Practices for Stressful Times
Thrive Fellow, Leanne Bishara shares 4 mindfulness practices to help parents become more engaged and less stressed when interacting with teens.
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Boosting Positive Emotions at Home
Dr. Susan Mangan provides 3 at-home exercises that can increase our positive emotions as we continue to navigate through COVID-19.
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Family Under Pressure: the Connecting Power of Being Isolated Together
Dr. Stephanie Trudeau offers ways we can orient our family towards growth and connection amid isolation during COVID-19.
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Helping Kids Develop Coping-Resiliency Strategies During Life Challenges
Thrive Fellow, Esther Tan shares a research-based model to understand how we can support kids in times of uncertainty.
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Changing Our Focus from Surviving to Thriving During COVID-19
Dr. Pam King reflects on the importance of contemplative practices to help us thrive during the coronavirus.
> Read MoreMore Resources on Thriving
Tips for Thriving in Quarantine
Quarantine does not generally stir up such expansive images of vitality and growth. While quarantine is challenging, there are still plenty of opportunities for personal growth and helping others. Here is a list of tips to enable you and others to thrive in this stressful time.
Daily Contemplative Practices
Spirituality is a essential to living a thriving life. Even during trying times such as these, spiritual practices and disciplines can provide meaning, strength, and direction in our lives. Download these 4 core spiritual practices to help you nurture your spiritual health.
The Importance of Spiritual Practices
Dr. Pam King reflects on the four core themes found in diverse spiritual practices, and how they can helps us reassess our life.
The Role of Mindfulness Practices
Dr. Joey Fung, Associate Professor at Fuller's School of Psychology, offers 5 ways mindfulness can help us stay present when we undergo pain and suffering.
Part One - Face Mask Dilemma (due to US Stigma)
Dr. Kenneth Wang, Associate Professor at Fuller's School of Psychology, emphasizes the importance of breaking the stigma around wearing face masks in order to contain the coronavirus.
Part Two - Face Masks to Protect Others: Containing Invisible Spread of COVID-19
Dr. Kenneth Wang continues his discussion on wearing face masks to protect others in our communities, sharing potential goals and solutions.
Part Three - Fabric Face Masks: Enhancing Social Distancing
Dr. Kenneth Want shares his thoughts on the CDC's approach to practicing social distancing and wearing face masks.
Other Helpful Resources
Stay up-to-date with the latest news and best practices from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention and other organizations.
Fuller Telehealth Services Available
Fuller Psychological and Family Services (FPFS) has launched Fuller Telehealth to extend and provide therapy and related services to clients living anywhere in California. Please contact FPFS at 626-584-5555 or submit an online request here for more information.
UndocuHealth National Mental health Directory
United We Dream provides a National Mental Health directory for DACA and undocumented individuals seeking therapy and mental health services.
The Quarantine Guide
A how-to-guide for teens interested in supporting the health, safety, and productivity of themselves and others during COVID-19.
Coronavirus Anxiety Workbook
A workbook by The Wellness Society to help you manage anxiety and build resilience during this unprecedented time.
#StayHome
Health care professionals emphasize the importance of staying home and doing our part to save others.
Our Common Humanity
Richard Davidson shares how social distancing is an act of generosity and compassion toward others.
Resisting the Pandemic of Prejudice
The Search Institute shares ways we can respond to fear and scapegoating during COIVD-19.
How to Talk to Kids & Teens
Psychology Today offers useful tips for how to speak to different age groups about the coronavirus.
Managing Children's Fear & Anxiety
As COVID-19 continues to spread, children are increasingly anxious about their health. NewsDio offers ways to manage their fears and make them feel safe.
Strategies to Cope with Coronavirus Anxiety
The Conversation shares 7 science-based strategies to help you deal with any anxiety and related disorders.
Helping Kids COpe with Stress
World Health Organization offers this downloadable guide on how to help kids cope with the COVID-19 outbreak.
How to Protect Yourself
Learn how to protect yourself from the coronavirus through these preventative measures by the Center for Disease and Control Prevention.
Keeping Others Safe
Learn how to keep your community safe from the coronavirus through these best practices by the Center for Disease and Control Prevention.
Travel Advisories
If traveling abroad, please make sure stay informed on any travel updates and alerts from the Department of State Travel Advisory.